New Rochelle Fire Department Promotes Five, Honors Firefighters for Lifesaving Acts

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 22, 2026) — The New Rochelle Fire Department promoted five members and honored firefighters for lifesaving actions, exemplary service and dedication during its annual Awards and Promotion Ceremony on Thursday at City Hall.

The ceremony, held at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, began with a remembrance of firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, followed by promotions and awards recognizing department members for their service during the past year.

Robert Ciotti was promoted to deputy chief, Ryan Pascuzzi and Gary Bruzzese were promoted to fire captain, and Hugo Pinilla and Clark Campbell were promoted to fire lieutenant.

Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert presided over the promotions, while Fire Chief Joseph Sinatra presented awards recognizing firefighters for their actions during emergencies and other contributions to the department.

The department presented Lifesaving Awards, Unit Citations and special honors, including recognition for firefighters responding to emergencies at locations throughout New Rochelle and in Pelham.

Lifesaving Awards

Firefighters received Lifesaving Awards for their actions during six separate emergencies between October 2025 and March 2026.

October 16, 2025 — 40 Willow Drive

• Engine 24: Lt. Durette Tyler, firefighters Steve Fridovich, Chris Madden and Rony Hosny.
• Ladder 12: Lt. Chris Cordaro, firefighters Peter Cordaro, Louis Riso and Mark Schoenherr.
• Rescue 4: Firefighters Vincent Costa, Tom Higgins and Daniel Vallario.

October 16, 2025 — 21 Jones Street

• Engine 22: Lt. Brian Bracken, firefighters Anane Dixon, Andrew Purvis and Greg Pappas.

October 21, 2025 — 2 Station Plaza North

• Engine 21: Lt. Dan Betker, firefighters John Cioffoletti, Anthony Caldararo and Wagner Lovinsky.

December 13, 2025 — 31 Lockwood Avenue

• Engine 21: Lt. Nick Triscari, firefighters John Cioffoletti, James Codella and Tom Higgins.

March 13, 2026 — 29 Inwood Place

• Ladder 12: Lt. Chris Cordaro, firefighters Peter Cordaro, Mark Schoenherr and Greg Pappas.

March 14, 2026 — 59B Locust Avenue

• Engine 21: Lt. Nick Triscari, firefighters Neil Brown, Matthew Ciccarelli and Markell Rice.

Unit Citations

The department also recognized firefighters with Unit Citations for their actions during several emergencies.

April 5, 2026 — 12 Church Street

• Tower Ladder 11: Lt. Nick Triscari, firefighters Jordan Pacheco, James Codella and Anthony Caldararo.

July 30, 2026 — 336 Ninth Avenue, Pelham

• Engine 21: Capt. Andrew Burpee, firefighters Robert Pegues, Anthony Caldararo and Dimity Henriquez.
• Rescue 4: Lt. Dan Betker, firefighters Justin Moxey, Markus Perez and James Codella.
• Command Staff: Capt. Gary Bruzzese, Capt. Ryan Pascuzzi and firefighter Vincent Costa.

September 12, 2026 — Huguenot Street and River Street

• Car 2302: Deputy Chief Philip Cicchiello and firefighter John Cestone.
• Engine 21: Lt. Robert Jackson, firefighters Daryl Moxey, Joe Dizenzo and Lonnie Jones.
• Tower Ladder 11: Capt. Andrew Burpee, firefighters Daniel Costa, Tyrone Thomas and Greg Pappas.
• Rescue 4: Lt. Mike Rende, firefighters Tim Ward, Rich Bongiorni and James DiMaggio.

An additional Unit Citation listed Capt. Andrew Burpee and firefighters Justin Moxey, Joe Giordano and Kevin Spillane of Rescue 4. The ceremony program did not specify a date or location for that recognition.

Special Awards and Commendations

Several department members received individual honors recognizing exceptional service.

The Arthur Luce Klein Award went to Capt. Anthony Cruciata, while Lt. Michael Amori received the Captain Andrew DiMaggio Award.

Firefighter Anthony Costa received the Fire Commissioner’s Award.

Honor Guard Awards were presented to firefighter Matthew Ciccarelli, Lt. Robert Jackson and firefighter Mike Muller.

Firefighter Kevin McDermott received a Letter of Commendation for a stem-cell donation on Feb. 10, 2026.

Chief Recognizes Department Members

Sinatra, presiding over his first awards ceremony as chief, described the occasion as a milestone in his leadership of the department.

“My first awards ceremony as Chief is a meaningful milestone, and I am honored to mark this occasion by recognizing the outstanding members of the New Rochelle Fire Department. While this ceremony represents an important first in my role as Chief, its true significance lies in celebrating the dedication, professionalism, and service of our members,” Sinatra said.

“These awards recognize the achievements of individuals who exemplify the department’s values and whose contributions strengthen our department and the community we serve,” Sinatra said.

The program included remarks from Mayor Ramos-Herbert and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez. Lt. Michael Amori led the Pledge of Allegiance, Elder Mark McLean delivered the invocation, and Ciotti led the remembrance of fallen firefighters. Father Michael Challinor delivered the benediction.

Sinatra concluded the ceremony by recognizing the department’s traditions and commitment to serving the community.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting our members and ensuring the department continues to meet the needs of our community with distinction,” Sinatra said.

This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.

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